Extension_Information:
Name: Description_of_Geographic_Extent
Short_Name: descgeog
z3950: 4112
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Spatial_Domain
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Short description of the geographic areal domain of the data
set. Examples include, "Manistee River watershed", "extent of
7 1/2 minute quads containing any property belonging to
Yellowstone National Park", or "ponds and reservoirs larger
than 2 acres in Jefferson County, Colorado". This is
especially important when the extent of the data set is not
well described by the "Bounding_Rectangle_Coordinates".
Rationale:
This description is especially important when the extent of the
data set is not well described by the "Bounding_Rectangle_
Coordinates", or in the case of data which is not specifically
geospatial, to provide a geographic setting for the item being
documented. Assuming the "Bounding_Rectangle_Coordinates" do
not adequately describe the extent of the data set, the
discrepancy can be identified and described in this data
element. If the item being documented is not specifically
geospatial, the "Bounding_Rectangle_Coordinates" can define a
general polygon, such as a rectangle around a country, with
this "Description_of_Geographic_Extent" element containing a
disclaimer concerning the "Bounding_Rectangle_Coordinates"
or further detail concerning the geographic area of concern for
the item being documented. For example, a study of the
diseases of salmon may not have a specific geographic extent
associated with it, but the salmon involved in the study were
collected in Washington and Oregon states, thus the
"Bounding_Rectangle_Coordinates" might form a general rectangle
around the states of Washington and Oregon, but the
"Description_of_Geographic_Extent" might describe the fact that
the extent within Washington and Oregon included only certain
rivers within those states.
This data element differs from the standard data element
"Place_Keyword" in that it allows a free text description of the
geographic extent, rather than just a list of words or phrases
useful as an index of location names associated with the data
set.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Bounding_Altitudes
Short_Name: boundalt
Type: compound
Child: Altitude_Minimum
Child: Altitude_Maximum
Child: Altitude_Distance_Units
Parent: Bounding_Coordinates
Optionality: optional
Definition: The limits of coverage of a data set expressed by altitude.
Rationale:
To be able to locate the vertical extent of a data set in association with its horizontal extent. The term "altitude" is
used instead of the common term "elevation" to conform to the terminology in Federal Information Processing
Standards 70-1and 173.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Altitude_Minimum
Short_Name: altmin
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Bounding_Altitudes
Optionality: optional
Definition:
The minimum elevation extent of coverage along with units of
measure.
Rationale:
To be able to locate the vertical extent of a data set in
association with its horizontal extent.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Altitude_Maximum
Short_Name: altmax
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Bounding_Altitudes
Optionality: optional
Definition:
The maximum elevation extent of coverage along with units of
measure.
Rationale:
To be able to locate the vertical extent of a data set in
association with its horizontal extent.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Taxonomy
Short_Name: taxonomy
z3950: 4001
Type: compound
Rule: Taxonomy = 1{Keywords/Taxon}n + 0{Taxonomic_System}1 + (General_Taxonomic_Coverage) + Taxonomic_Classification
Parent: Identification_Information
Child: Keywords/Taxon
Child: Taxonomic_System
Child: General_Taxonomic_Coverage
Child: Taxonomic_Classification
Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
Definition:
Information on the taxa (1 or more) included in the data set,
including keywords, taxonomic system and coverage information,
and taxonomic classification system.
Rationale:
To provide for documentation of taxonomic information.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Keywords/Taxon
Short_Name: keywtax
Type: compound
Rule: Keywords/Taxon = Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus + 1{Taxonomic_Keywords}n
Parent: Taxonomy
Child: Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus
Child: Taxonomic_Keywords
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
Taxonomic ranks or common groups characterized by the data set.
Rationale:
To provide general keywords for searching, and to allow users
to identify potential data sets addressing taxa of interest.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus
Short_Name: taxonkt
Type: text
Domain: "None" free text
Parent: Keywords/Taxon
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
Reference to a formally registered thesaurus or similar
authoritative source of taxonomic keywords.
Rationale:
To provide for documentation of taxonomic information.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Taxonomic_Keywords
Short_Name: taxonkey
z3950: 4002
Type: text
Domain: "collection" "multiple species" "single species" "amphibians" "animals" "bacteria" "fungi" "invertebrates" "lichens" "mammals" "mosses" "plants" "protists" "reptiles" "vegetation" "vertebrates" "viruses" free text
Parent: Keywords/Taxon
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Common-use words or phrases describing the taxonomy covered by
the data set.
Rationale:
To provide general keywords for searching, and to allow users
to identify potential data sets addressing taxa of interest.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Taxonomic_System
Short_Name: taxonsys
z3950: 4028
Type: compound
Rule: Taxonomic_System = 1{Classification_System/Authority}n + 0{Identification_Reference}n + (1{Identifier}n) + Taxonomic_Procedures + 0{Taxonomic_Completeness}1 + 0{Vouchers}n
Parent: Taxonomy
Child: Classification_System/Authority
Child: Identification_Reference
Child: Identifier
Child: Taxonomic_Procedures
Child: Taxonomic_Completeness
Child: Vouchers
Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
Definition:
Documentation of taxonomic sources, procedures, and treatments.
Rationale:
The set of data elements contained within this compound element
represent an attempt to provide better documentation of
taxonomic sources, procedures, and treatments as strongly
recommended in the American Institute of Biological Sciences
Review to the National Biological Service on the Content
Standard for Non-Geospatial Metadata Workshop, 1995.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Classification_System/Authority
Short_Name: classsys
z3950: 4029
Type: compound
Rule: Classification_System/Authority = Classification_System_Citation + 0{Classification_System_Modifications}1
Parent: Taxonomic_System
Child: Classification_System_Citation
Child: Classification_System_Modifications
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Information about the classification system or authority used.
Rationale:
Together, the classification system and any modifications made
to it represent a significant piece of information concerning
the data being documented.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Classification_System_Citation
Short_Name: classcit
z3950: 4030
Type: compound
Child: Citation_Information
Parent: Classification_System/Authority
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
A citation for the classification system or authority used,
this might include monographs (e.g., a regional flora) or
on-line data sets (e.g., the USDA PLANTS database), etc.
Rationale:
This data element defines the authority used for classifying.
When appropriate, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System
(ITIS) should be used.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Classification_System_Modifications
Short_Name: classmod
z3950: 4037
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Classification_System/Authority
Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
Definition:
A description of any modifications or exceptions made to the
classification system or authority used.
Rationale:
Many times a standard system is used, but exceptions are made
for specific taxa or groups, this element allows for these
exceptions or modifications to be described.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Identification_Reference
Short_Name: idref
z3950: 4031
Type: compound
Child: Citation_Information
Parent: Taxonomic_System
Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
Definition:
Information on any non-authoritative materials (e.g. field
guides) useful for reconstructing the actual identification
process.
Rationale:
This information can be useful for someone who wishes to make
use of a data set, and perhaps expand on it, following similar
procedures.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Identifier
Short_Name: ider
z3950: 4032
Type: compound
Child: Contact_information
Parent: Taxonomic_System
Optionality: Optional
Definition:
Information about the individual(s) responsible for the
identification(s) of the specimens or sightings, etc.
Rationale:
If there are any questions on the identification of specimens
or field sightings, this should provide some insight into the
data creator.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Taxonomic_Procedures
Short_Name: taxonpro
z3950: 4035
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Taxonomic_System
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Description of the methods used for the taxonomic
identification. Could include specimen processing, comparison
with museum materials, keys and key characters, chemical or
genetic analyses, etc.
Rationale:
In order to be able to make appropriate use of a biological
data set, often it is important to know not just who identified
the individuals or specimens, but what process did they used to
do so.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Taxonomic_Completeness
Short_Name: taxoncom
z3950: 4036
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Taxonomic_System
Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
Definition:
Information concerning the proportions and treatment of
unidentified materials (i.e. materials sent to experts, and not
yet determined); estimates of the importance, and identities of
misidentifications, uncertain determinations, synonyms or other
incorrect usages; taxa not well treated or requiring further
work; and expertise of field workers.
Rationale:
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Vouchers
Short_Name: vouchers
z3950: 4033
Type: compound
Rule: Vouchers = Specimen + Repository
Parent: Taxonomic_System
Child: Specimen
Child: Repository
Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
Definition:
Information on the types of specimen, the repository, and the
individuals who identified the vouchers.
Rationale:
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Specimen
Short_Name: specimen
z3950: 4038
Type: text
Domain: "herbarium specimens" "blood samples" "photographs" "individuals" free text
Parent: Vouchers
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
A word or phrase describing the type of specimen collected
(e.g. herbarium specimens, blood samples, photographs,
individuals, or batches).
Rationale:
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Repository
Short_Name: reposit
z3950: 4034
Type: compound
Child: Contact_Information
Parent: Vouchers
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Information about the curator or contact person and/or agency
responsible for the specimens.
Rationale:
If, for any reason, the specimens should need to be referred
to, information about where they are being housed and who is
responsible for them should be kept along with the
documentation of the data set. If they have not been archived,
this should be noted.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: General_Taxonomic_Coverage
Short_Name: taxongen
z3950: 4105
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Taxonomy
Optionality: optional
Definition:
A description of the range of taxa addressed in the data set or
collection. For example, "all vascular plants were identified
to family or species, mosses and lichens were identified as
moss or lichen."
Rationale:
To provide the capability to document the taxa addressed in the
data set or collection via a free text description. This is
especially important with data sets or collections which
contain examples of a many taxonomic levels.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Taxonomic_Classification
Short_Name: taxoncl
z3950:
Type: compound
Rule: Taxonomic_Classification = Taxon_Rank_Name + Taxon_Rank_Value + (0{Applicable_Common_Name}n) + 0{Taxonomic_Classification}n
Parent: Taxonomy
Parent: Taxonomic_Classification
Child: Taxon_Rank_Name
Child: Taxon_Rank_Value
Child: Applicable_Common_Name
Child: Taxonomic_Classification
Definition:
Information about the range of taxa addressed in the data set or
collection. It is recommended that one provide information
starting from the taxonomic rank of kingdom, to a level which
reflects the data set or collection being documented. The levels
of Kingdom, Division/Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and
Species should be included as ranks as appropriate. For example,
if the data set deals with the species "red maple" or Acer rubrum
var. rubrum, then the contents might look like the following:
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom
Taxon_Rank_Value: Plantae
Applicable_Common_Name: plants
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Division
Taxon_Rank_Value: Magnoliaphyta
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Class
Taxon_Rank_Value: Magnoliopsida
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Subclass
Taxon_Rank_Value: Rosidae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Sapindales
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Aceraceae
Applicable_Common_Name: maples
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Acer
Applicable_Common_Name: maples
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Name: Acer rubrum var. rubrum
Applicable_Common_Name: red maple
If the data set pertains to many species, then the
Taxonomic_Classification structure can be built by adding
additional families under the Taxonomic_Classification rank of
order. If the taxon of interest is undefined at any taxonomic rank,
omit that rank from the structure. (One authority for this
information is the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
located at: "http://www.itis.usda.gov/plantproj/itis/").
Rationale:
To provide the capability to describe precisely the taxa
addressed in the data set or collection. This can be
accomplished using a hierarchical structure to specify from
Kingdom down to the appropriate taxonomic level.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Taxon_Rank_Name
Short_Name: taxonrn
z3950:
Type: text
Domain: "Kingdom" "Division" "Phylum" "Subphylum" "Superclass" "Class" "Subclass" "Infraclass" "Superorder" "Order" "Suborder" "Infraorder" "Superfamily" "Family" "Subfamily" "Tribe" "Subtribe" "Genus" "Species" free text
Parent: Taxonomic_Classification
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
The name of the taxonomic rank for which the Taxon_Rank_Value
is provided. See the example included in the definition of
Taxonomic_Classification.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to describe precisely the taxa
addressed in the data set or collection.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Taxon_Rank_Value
Short_Name: taxonrv
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Taxonomic_Classification
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
The name representing the taxonomic rank of the taxon being
described. See the example included in the definition of
Taxonomic_Classification.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to describe precisely the taxa
addressed in the data set or collection.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Applicable_Common_Name
Short_Name: common
z3950: 4012
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Taxonomic_Classification
Optionality: optional
Definition:
Specification of applicable common names. These common names
may be general descriptions of a group of organisms if
appropriate (e.g. insects, vertebrate, grasses, waterfowl,
vascular plants, etc.)
Rationale:
To provide the capability to describe precisely the taxa
addressed in the data set or collection.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Analytical_Tool
Short_Name: tool
z3950: 4013
Type: compound
Rule: Analytical_Tool = Analytical_Tool_Description + Tool_Access_Information + (Tool_Contact) + (Tool_Citation)
Parent: Identification_Information
Child: Analytical_Tool_Description
Child: Tool_Access_Information
Child: Tool_Contact
Child: Tool_Citation
Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
Definition:
Tools, models, or statistical procedures that the data set is
intrinsically bound to and are available for use in analyzing
the data set. Examples include reconstructions of phylogenies,
population viability analyses, community ordinations, most
atmospheric and hydrological transport analyses, and inferences
on the effects of climate change on forest composition and
productivity. Enough information should be included such that a
potential data user can easily determine why they might wish to
acquire the analytical tool, and the methodology to acquire it.
Rationale:
Some biological data sets are intrinsically bound to models or
statistical procedures used to generate them. In these cases,
a description of the analyses and contact, citation, and access
information for the tools used are needed to properly interpret
the data.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Analytical_Tool_Description
Short_Name: tooldesc
z3950: 4014
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Analytical_Tool
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Description of the analytical tool, model, or statistical procedure.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Tool_Access_Information
Short_Name: toolacc
z3950: 4015
Type: compound
Rule: Tool_Access_Information = 0{Online_Linkage}n + Tool_Access_Instructions + (Tool_Computer_and_Operating_System)
Parent: Analytical_Tool
Child: Online_Linkage
Child: Tool_Access_Instructions
Child: Tool_Computer_and_Operating_System
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Information on the steps required to access the tool.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Tool_Contact
Short_Name: toolcont
z3950: 4016
Type: compound
Child: Contact_Information
Parent: Analytical_Tool
Optionality: Optional
Definition:
The party from whom the tool, model, or statistical procedure
may be obtained.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Tool_Citation
Short_Name: toolcite
z3950: 4017
Type: compound
Child: Citation_Information
Parent: Analytical_Tool
Optionality: Optional
Definition:
Citation information about the tool, model, or statistical
procedure.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Tool_Access_Instructions
Short_Name: toolinst
z3950: 4019
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Tool_Access_Information
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Instructions on the steps required to access the tool, model,
or statistical procedure.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Tool_Computer_and_Operating_System
Short_Name: toolcomp
z3950: 4020
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Tool_Access_Information
Optionality: Optional
Definition:
The brand of computer and its operating system that the tool,
model, or statistical procedure requires.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Methodology
Short_Name: method
z3950: 4021
Type: compound
Rule: Methodology = Methodology_Type + (1{Methodology_Identifier}n) + Methodology_Description + 0{Methodology_Citation}n
Parent: Lineage
Child: Methodology_Type
Child: Methodology_Identifier
Child: Methodology_Description
Child: Methodology_Citation
Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
Definition:
Information about a single step of field and/or laboratory work.
Rationale:
This element represents a critical element of the documentation
required to interpret important biological data sets.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Methodology_Type
Short_Name: methtype
z3950: 4022
Type: text
Domain: "Field" "Lab" free text
Parent: Methodology
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
The type of methodology being documented, such as field or
laboratory methodology.
Rationale:
This element should set a basic definition for the type of
methodology being documented.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Methodology_Identifier
Short_Name: methodid
z3950: 4023
Type: compound
Rule: Methodology_Identifier = Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus + 1{Methodology_Keyword}n
Parent: Methodology
Child: Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus
Child: Methodology_Keyword
Optionality: Optional
Definition:
Keywords or phrases summarizing the field or laboratory methods
used.
Rationale:
Although there are no simple sets of standardized methods for
all data collection, for most classes of data, it should be
possible to identify some standard terms describing the
methodology being documented. In some cases, standardized
references or thesauri may exist or may be under creation.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus
Short_Name: methkt
z3950: 4024
Type: text
Domain: "None" free text
Parent: Methodology_Identifier
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Reference to a formally registered thesaurus or a similar
authoritative source of methodology keywords.
Rationale:
Although there are no simple sets of standardized methods for
all data collection, for most classes of data, it should be
possible to identify some standard terms describing the
methodology being documented. In some cases, standardized
references or thesauri may exist or may be under creation.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Methodology_Keyword
Short_Name: methkey
z3950: 4025
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Methodology_Identifier
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
The name of a method used in the field or laboratory work.
Rationale:
Although there are no simple sets of standardized methods for
all data collection, for most classes of data, it should be
possible to identify some standard terms describing the
methodology being documented. In some cases, standardized
references or thesauri may exist or may be under creation.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Methodology_Description
Short_Name: methdesc
z3950: 4026
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Methodology
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Equivalent to "Materials and Methods" in a journal article.
Describe the physical methods used to gather data, the
experimental design, sample frequency, treatments or strata,
statistical and spatial design of the sampling, and sample
completeness, representativeness, and biases. For example, in
a bird survey, relevant elements would include the methods used
to detect species occurrences (casual sightings, transects,
focal point surveys, vocalizations, mist nets), whether or not
evidence of breeding activity was required, descriptions of the
habitat strata in a stratified design, and known biases (e.g.,
non-territorial birds were undersampled, and some juveniles
could not be identified to species.)
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Methodology_Citation
Short_Name: methcite
z3950: 4027
Type: compound
Child: Citation_Information
Parent: Methodology
Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
Definition: Information referencing the methods used.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: ASCII_File_Structure
Short_Name: asciistr
Type: compound
Rule: ASCII_File_Structure = 0{Record_Delimiter}1 + Number_Header_Lines + (Description_of_Header_Content) + Orientation + Case_Sensitive + 0{Authentication}1 + 0{Quote_Character}1 + 1{Data_Field}n
Parent: Digital_Transfer_Information
Child: Record_Delimiter
Child: Number_Header_Lines
Child: Description_of_Header_Content
Child: Orientation
Child: Case_Sensitive
Child: Authentication
Child: Quote_Character
Child: Data_Field
Optionality: mandatory if applicable
Definition:
Information about the content and format of an ASCII data file.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe
the content and format of an ASCII data file. This structure
was created with the goal of automatic machine processing of
this information for file transfer, data loading, and quality
assurance.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Record_Delimiter
Short_Name: recdel
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
Optionality: Mandatory if applicable
Definition:
The character(s) which indicate the end of a record.
Rationale:
To provide accurate machine processable information for
transfer of ASCII files.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Number_Header_Lines
Short_Name: numheadl
Type: Integer
Domain: Number_Header _Lines >= 0
Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
The number of lines at the beginning of the file before the
data content actually begins.
Rationale:
To provide accurate machine processable information for
transfer of ASCII files.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Description_of_Header_Content
Short_Name: deschead
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
Optionality: optional
Definition:
Description of the information content of the header lines.
Rationale:
To provide accurate machine processable information for
transfer of ASCII files.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Orientation
Short_Name: orienta
Type: text
Domain: "columnmajor" "rowmajor"
Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
Definition of the direction of information content as
represented in the ASCII file. Typical data sets are
represented in column-major format, where each attribute in the
data set is represented as a column and each observation is a
row. In contrast, row-major data sets represent attributes as
rows and observations as columns. For example, if one has 3
observations (1,2,3) of two attributes (A,B), in column-major
format the first record of the datafile would contain the first
observation for both attributes (values A1,B1), but in row-
major format the first record would contain all of the
observations for only attribute A (values A1,A2,A3).
Rationale:
To provide accurate machine processable information for
transfer of ASCII files.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Case_Sensitive
Short_Name: casesens
Type: text
Domain: "y" "Y" "n" "N"
Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
If the content of the data set is encoded in case-sensitive
ASCII (the capital and small letters have meaning), then this
element should contain "y" or "Y", otherwise this element
should contain "n" or "N".
Rationale:
To provide accurate machine processable information for
transfer of ASCII files.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Authentication
Short_Name: authent
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
Optionality: mandatory if applicable
Definition:
Information allowing verification of file contents to ensure
accurate transmission of the file. This is generally a named
checksum that uses a standard algorithm or a cryptographic
signature. For example, a MD5 checksum could be provided and,
if it matches a MD5 checksum calculated for the received file,
one would conclude that the file is identical to the original.
Rationale:
To provide accurate machine processable information for
transfer of ASCII files.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Quote_Character
Short_Name: quotech
Type: text
Domain: " " " " ` " " ` " free text
Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
Optionality: mandatory if applicable
Definition:
Character used to quote fields in the data representation so
that the field delimiter can be used as part of the field
value. This character is typically a single quote mark or
double quote mark. For example, in a field representing a
person's name, one might use double quotes around the field
(e.g., "Johnson, M.") to indicate that the embedded comma in
the text string is not a field delimiter.
Rationale:
To provide accurate machine processable information for
transfer of ASCII files.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Data_Field
Short_Name: datafiel
Type: compound
Rule: Data_Field = Data_Field_Name + 0{Missing_Value_Code}1 + [ Data_Field_Width_Delimiter | Data_Field_Width ]
Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
Child: Data_Field_Name
Child: Missing_Value_Code
Child: Data_Field_Width_Delimiter
Child: Data_Field_Width
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
Information describing the individual data fields (this would
be equivalent to columns in most databases).
Rationale:
To provide accurate machine processable information for
transfer of ASCII files.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Data_Field_Name
Short_Name: dfieldnm
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Data_Field
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
Name of the data field. This name should be the same as an
Attribute Label documented in Section 5.1.2 Attribute (within
Detailed Description which is itself within Entity and
Attribute Information). The definition, domain, units of
measure, and measurement resolution are all important pieces of
information for ASCII file use.
Rationale:
The definition, domain, units of measure, and measurement
resolution are all defined as part of 5.1.2 Attribute, thus
should not be defined again. This information should be
entered, thus the name entered as the Attribute Label should be
referred to here, so the appropriate information can be
correlated with the fields of the ASCII data file.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Missing_Value_Code
Short_Name: missingv
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Data_Field
Optionality: mandatory if applicable
Definition:
The code which represents missing data.
Rationale:
In order to differentiate between missing data and null data, a
code to indicate that the data value is missing is often used.
This code is required to make effective and accurate use of
ASCII data files.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Data_Field_Width_Delimiter
Short_Name: dfwidthd
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Data_Field
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
The character which indicates the end of the data field contents.
Rationale:
To make effective and accurate use of ASCII data files.
Although entire data sets are generally characterized as fixed_
width format or variable_width format, this characterization is
more accurately reflected at the field level, as fixed_width
fields may be mixed in the same data file with variable_width
fields.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Data_Field_Width
Short_Name: dfwidth
Type: integer
Domain: Data_Field_Width >=1
Parent: Data_Field
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
The number of characters of the data field.
Rationale:
To make effective and accurate use of ASCII data files.
Although entire data sets are generally characterized as fixed_
width format or variable_width format, this characterization is
more accurately reflected at the field level, as fixed_width
fields may be mixed in the same data file with variable_width
fields.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Beginning_Geologic_Age
Short_Name: beggeol
Type: Compound
Rule: Beginning_Geologic_Age = Geologic_Age
Parent: Range_of_Dates/Times
Child: Geologic_Age
Definition:
A name, code, or date for the beginning of an event or period
in geologic time.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe
the geologic dates relevant to a data set.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Ending_Geologic_Age
Short_Name: endgeol
Type: Compound
Rule: Ending_Geologic_Age = Geologic_Age
Parent: Range_of_Dates/Times
Child: Geologic_Age
Definition:
A name, code, or date for the end of an event or period in
geologic time.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe
the geologic dates relevant to a data set.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Geologic_Age
Short_Name: geolage
Type: Compound
Rule: Geologic_Age = Geologic_Time_Scale + Geologic_Age_Estimate + 0{Geologic_Age_Uncertainty}1 + 0{Geologic_Age_Explanation}1 + (1{Geologic_Citation}n)
Parent: Single_Date/Time
Parent: Beginning_Geologic_Age
Parent: Ending_Geologic_Age
Child: Geologic_Time_Scale
Child: Geologic_Age_Estimate
Child: Geologic_Age_Uncertainty
Child: Geologic_Age_Explanation
Child: Geologic_Citation
Definition:
A name, code, or date describing an event or period in geologic
time, expressed either as an absolute date calculated using a
named dating method, or as a relative date that is drawn from
stratigraphy or biostratigraphy.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to describe the geologic dates
relevant to a data set. Calendar dates as provided in the ISO
8601 dating system used in the standard CSDGM are not adequate
to describe geologic time periods. Absolute geologic time is
usually measured in "millions of years" before present, but may
use different units and relative base times. Relative geologic
time is measured by subdivisions of the earth's geology in an
order based upon relative age, most commonly, vertical or
stratigraphic position. The actual dating systems used in
geologic studies often tie relative times measured through
stratigraphy or biostratigraphy to a particular absolute time
using radioisotope dating techniques, among others. As these
methods for absolute dating have improved, the estimates of the
dates for strata have changed, consequently, it would be
inaccurate to record absolute dates in situations where
relative dates were measured. This structure is provided as an
optional alternative to the standard calendar dates provided by
ISO 8601.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Geologic_Time_Scale
Short_Name:geolscal
Type: text
Domain: "Absolute" "Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale" "International Geological Time Scale" "Oxygen-Isotope" free text
Parent: Geologic_Age
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
Name of a recognized geologic time scale. This includes
"Absolute" as the name of the time scale for measuring geologic
dates before the present and names of geologic dating systems
that are arrangements of symbols or names in order of relative
geologic time.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe
the geologic dates relevant to a data set.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Geologic_Age_Estimate
Short_Name: geolest
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Geologic_Age
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
Either an absolute geologic date or a relative geologic age
name describing an event or period in geologic time based on
the Geologic_Time_Scale. For example, "300 Ma" (300 million
years before present) is a Geologic_Age_Estimate based on the
"Absolute" Geologic_Time_Scale, "C28r" is a chron name from the
Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale, and "Maastrichtian" and "
Jurassic" are names from the International Geological Time
Scale. Since different relative geologic time scales are often
not aligned, multiple geologic dates may need to be specified.
For example, the Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale chron "C29r",
at the K/T boundary lies in both the Maastrichtian and the
Danian stages from the International Geological Time Scale,
thus if you were documenting this event using the International
Geological Time Scale, both "Maastrichtian" and "Danian" should
be included here.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe
the geologic dates relevant to a data set.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Geologic_Age_Uncertainty
Short_Name:geolun
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Geologic_Age
Optionality: mandatory if applicable
Definition:
The error estimate for the geologic time. This should include
the units of measure, a description of what the error estimate
represents and how it was calculated.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe
the geologic dates relevant to a data set.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Geologic_Age_Explanation
Short_Name:geolexpl
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Geologic_Age
Optionality: mandatory if applicable
Definition:
The name and/or description of the method used to calculate the
Geologic_Age_Estimate. Detailed information about the method
may be provided through references contained in the
Geologic_Citation.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe
the geologic dates relevant to a data set.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Geologic_Citation
Short_Name: geolcit
Type: compound
Rule: Geologic_Citation = Citation_Information
Parent: Geologic_Age
Child: Citation_Information
Optionality: optional
Definition:
Citation for works providing detailed information about any
element of the Geologic_Age. For example, a publication
describing the methodology used for carbon dating or describing
the basic geologic time scale in more detail could be cited
here.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe
the geologic dates relevant to a data set.
Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group